No prospect of unity happening by consent

In rejecting Sinn Fein's call for a new Oireachtas committee that would begin planning for a united Ireland, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin stated: "They are doing damage to the prospect of unity by consent."

In rejecting Sinn Fein's call for a new Oireachtas committee that would begin planning for a united Ireland, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin stated: "They are doing damage to the prospect of unity by consent."

There is no such prospect. As Orange Lodge grand secretary Rev Mervyn Gibson stated at the Bangor 12th demonstration: "There is no agreed Ireland and there never will be, because the unionist people will never agree to such an entity.

"We didn't in 1921, not in 1985 - we will not in 2017, nor in 2057." Repeat for slow learners: unionists will never agree to a united Ireland in any shape or form. It is against their nature. That is the underlying reality.

It brings into focus the right of Irish people in Northern Ireland to equal national freedom and equal sovereignty.

Forget about a united Ireland. It is not going to happen.

Irish sovereignty for Irish people can, must and will happen. Over to you, Mr Martin.